Nov. 2, 2004

WACO, Texas - Members of the Baylor Yell Leaders squad and mascot Bruiser cheered at Brooke Avenue Elementary Friday at the school's Red Ribbon Week pep rally. During Red Ribbon Week, students are encouraged to stay drug-free and learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol on their bodies.

Baylie McKissack, Robby Mulllins and David Prado represented the co-ed squad and Elizabeth Staples represented the all-girl squad. Micah Chaloner came as Bruiser.

McKissack grabbed the attention of the elementary students by doing a standing back flip. She said, "I trained very hard in gymnastics so I can have control of my body and to be able to do back flips. I want to stay in control of my body so that is why I choose to be drug-free."

The yell leaders and Bruiser led the students in Baylor cheers and drug-free chants to encourage the students to make the right choices.

Linda Watkins, principal of Brooke Avenue Elementary, said, "The kids have been talking about the cheerleaders coming all week. I know they are very excited to have them come to our school."

At the end of the pep rally, Bruiser handed out small footballs to the kids who won the school's raffle drawing and gave high-fives as he left.